Cystic fibrosis has loomed large in Trevor Edgar's life ever since he was born, and now he's determined to do something about it.

He's going to grow a big, bushy beard.

Edgar, 21, put down his razor on Tuesday, and has vowed not to pick it up again until a full year has passed in a fundraising campaign he came up with to help fight the disease.

“I've grown up around it my whole life. I know what it can do,” said the Sault College carpentry student.

Edgar himself doesn't have cystic fibrosis, but three of his five siblings were born with the debilitating disease.

His sister Kristin died at the age of 12 when Trevor was only two.

“It attacks your digestive system and your lungs, so there would be times where she couldn't breathe, couldn't eat,” said Trevor. “It just got to the point where there was nothing we could do.”

Trevor doesn't have much memory of that time, but he recalls the effect it had on his family and how strong his parents, Monica and Ken Edgar, were.

“I have to say they're the strongest people I know. That's 100% true,” said Trevor. “They've been doing everything they possibly can from Day 1.”

Two of Trevor's brothers, Spencer, 19, and Jason, 27, still struggle with the disease, though Trevor said things aren't as bad now that they are older. He said he remembers how hard it was for his brothers, who often had to forgo outdoor recess to protect their lungs when the weather was cold.

His mother, Monica, said she was initially surprised at her son's plan, but thinks it is a “wonderful idea.”

“Cystic fibrosis is very time-consuming and very stressful, and it is expensive,” she said.

She said she hopes Trevor's efforts make more people aware of the disease, which she thinks is too often overlooked.

“It's not something you see,” said Monica.

Trevor, who works as a cook at Swiss Chalet, plans to donate the money he collects to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. He said he has no idea what will come of his efforts financially, though he said he expects some significant facial hair to develop.

“The longest I've ever not shaved is like three months and it was pretty big, just from those three months,” he said.

If you want to donate, text or call Trevor at 705-989-5340. He has also set up a Facebook event called Year of the Beard.